Trunk Show
REGIONAL DESIGNER IN KERRYMANWOMANHOME
LOCAL FASHIONISTAS were treated to some hot young Caribbean talent when Kerrymanwomanhome, hosted its first fashion show of the year. Trinidadian Afiya Bishop, creator of Loud by Afriya, and Jin Forde’s J. Angelique, had their work on show at the très chic lifestyle boutique recently, and Outlook was on hand to get the 411. According to Clarke, “Having a trunk show is one of the fun parts of owning a store. Customers get the chance to meet new designers and communicate directly with them. It’s also a great opportunity to have new, exciting Caribbean merchandise in the store for a few days.” Clarke is also passionate about promoting Caribbean talent, something that’s demonstrated in her annual The Collection MoDA fashion show. Today, we introduce you to the young designers and give you a peek at their designs.
AFRIYA BISHOP – LOUD BY AFRIYA
When it comes to designing, Bishop is not keen on doing an entire line, but two to three pieces. As she told Outlook, “I do statement pieces.” She will create about five and the ones that get the most reaction is what she will keep and focus on.
But what is even more unique about Bishop is that she only works with prints.
“I want women to feel that they can wear colours. Women are taught to wear dark, serious colours. I want prints to be normal in their closet and to feel like print
makes them happy. I make happy clothes to make you be who you were meant to be – yourself.”
Her pieces flatter any shape with most having a wrap-around cinching at the waist.
JIN FORDE’S J. ANGELIQUE
The young designer specialises in draping, with her one-size-fitsall catering to the varied body types of Caribbean women. She told Outlook that draping is less restrictive.
“This way of designing leads to more innovation and originality. With clothing, you want to feel your best.”
Her bestsellers are the Hera and Disa. Having studied abroad, Forde has learnt to design in a systematic way and not just what is in your head, but also to be original. Her foray into trends extends as far as the type of fabric being used and colours, but Forde stays in her own lane, standing out with designs that are very feminine with lots of colours and adornments.
“Always something very sexy, but not too on-the-border,” is how she describes her designs, going all out for her designs done exclusively for the Xodus band in the recently concluded Jamaica Carnival.